The serval, the cat whorshipped by ancient Egyptians, is the most skilled of the wildcats, killing roughly half of what it hunts.

Photo: Traer Scott

The serval, the cat whorshipped by ancient Egyptians, is the most...

The serval, the cat whorshipped by ancient Egyptians, is the most... Photo-6813315.92886 - SFGate

Image 2 of 11

The hedgehog, though small, has more than 7,000 quills on its body. Like the cat, it's an expert climber -- but has a hard time reversing its course. Its solution: curl up into a ball and fall to the ground.

Photo: Traer Scott

The hedgehog, though small, has more than 7,000 quills on its body....

The hedgehog, though small, has more than 7,000 quills on its body.... Photo-6813316.92886 - SFGate

Image 3 of 11

The cecropia moth has a wingspan of at least six inches, making it the largest native North American moth. Males can fly more than seven miles a night to find a mate.

Photo: Traer Scott

The cecropia moth has a wingspan of at least six inches, making it...

The cecropia moth has a wingspan of at least six inches, making it... Photo-6813317.92886 - SFGate

Image 4 of 11

Related to the guinea pig, the common agouti has an uncommonly long life span for a rodent: up to 20 years. They can be up and running an hour after they're born.

Photo: Traer Scott

Related to the guinea pig, the common agouti has an uncommonly long...

Related to the guinea pig, the common agouti has an uncommonly long... Photo-6813318.92886 - SFGate

Image 5 of 11

The giant anteater (weighing up to 100 pounds) can put away 30,000 ants in a night.